Friday, December 3, 2010
The new superfood CHIA - by Steph Martin (article from Breathe magazine)
Pronounced CHEE-ah, this highly nutritious seed has been aptly named, ‘History’s Forgotten Superfood’! Lost for over 500 years after the Spanish invasion of the 16th century, Chia is finally making a comeback due to its outstanding nutritional profile!
Unlike any other food, Chia provides all that is essential for a healthy diet including Omega 3, dietary fibre and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron and copper. It is also a rich source of protective antioxidants and phytonutrients: No wonder it is called a Superfood!
Omega 3
Chia is the richest known plant source of omega 3 fatty acids. Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia to your daily diet provides an incredible 5 grams of Omega 3 – this is 8 times more than you get from eating Salmon!
Fibre
Chia is 40% fibre (5% soluble, 35% insoluble). It forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which is easily digestible and incredibly beneficial! The high fibre content helps moderate blood glucose levels, reduce cravings, lower cholesterol, regulate bowel movements and facilitate weight loss: It even promotes the growth of friendly bacteria, or probiotics, which boost the immune system and maintain the natural balance of a healthy digestive system.
2 tablespoons of chia seeds provides approximately 7 grams of dietary fibre with minimal calories. There is only 1g of usable carbohydrate per 100g!
Protein
Chia is about 20 - 23% protein, which gives it an amazing protein to carbohydrate ratio of 1:2! It contains all 9 essential amino acids (the ones our body cannot produce itself e.g. Lysine) in a balance optimally suited to a human’s needs.
Antioxidants
The black variety of chia definitely trumps the white variety due to the fact that it contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-cancer and other body protecting antioxidants. It’s ORAC count is 9900 (exceptionally high for a seed) and it even gives a few of the antioxidant-rich berries a run for their money!
How do I eat it?
For all its power chia is a remarkably mild tasting seed. You can literally add it to anything, and instead of changing the flavour, it will enhance it! So simple!
Imagine with just one spoonful of this incredible superfood you can add a burst of flavour to any meal or snack, provide an amazing array of nutrients, increase energy and stay fuller for longer! Chia has an amazing thickening ability so can be used in soups, smoothies, cakes, breads, biscuits, drinks – actually everything!
Chia really is an ideal food for nearly everyone including vegetarians, vegans, pregnant women and individuals with food allergies, food sensitivities and/or gluten-intolerance (there are no known allergies to Chia seeds!)
Unlike other seeds such as flax (linseed) it doesn’t need to be ground or sprouted and has no enzyme inhibitors to prevent digestion. You can really eat as much chia as you like. In fact the more the better!
As if Chia couldn’t get any better – the plant also has a natural pest-repellent and therefore doesn’t need any nasty chemicals to ward off any intruders.
The greatest news of all – is that it is finally available in South Africa, get it before it sells out!
Chia Facts
15x more Magnesium than broccoli
5x more Calcium than milk
8x more Omega 3 than salmon
2x more Iron than spinach
More Potassium than Banana
More Antioxidants than blueberries, strawberries and cranberries
20% Complete Vegetable Protein
40% Fibre content
Gluten Free
Pesticide free
Please contact me if you would like more info: steph@lifestylehealth.co.za
If you wish to purchase SOMAMA CHIA please visit www.SOMAMA.co.za or send us an email hello@SOMAMA.co.za
Disclaimer - as always we do not understand your medical condition and as such the above guidelines are not personalized. In this regard please consult your medical practitioner for advice.
Unlike any other food, Chia provides all that is essential for a healthy diet including Omega 3, dietary fibre and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron and copper. It is also a rich source of protective antioxidants and phytonutrients: No wonder it is called a Superfood!
Omega 3
Chia is the richest known plant source of omega 3 fatty acids. Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia to your daily diet provides an incredible 5 grams of Omega 3 – this is 8 times more than you get from eating Salmon!
Fibre
Chia is 40% fibre (5% soluble, 35% insoluble). It forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which is easily digestible and incredibly beneficial! The high fibre content helps moderate blood glucose levels, reduce cravings, lower cholesterol, regulate bowel movements and facilitate weight loss: It even promotes the growth of friendly bacteria, or probiotics, which boost the immune system and maintain the natural balance of a healthy digestive system.
2 tablespoons of chia seeds provides approximately 7 grams of dietary fibre with minimal calories. There is only 1g of usable carbohydrate per 100g!
Protein
Chia is about 20 - 23% protein, which gives it an amazing protein to carbohydrate ratio of 1:2! It contains all 9 essential amino acids (the ones our body cannot produce itself e.g. Lysine) in a balance optimally suited to a human’s needs.
Antioxidants
The black variety of chia definitely trumps the white variety due to the fact that it contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-cancer and other body protecting antioxidants. It’s ORAC count is 9900 (exceptionally high for a seed) and it even gives a few of the antioxidant-rich berries a run for their money!
How do I eat it?
For all its power chia is a remarkably mild tasting seed. You can literally add it to anything, and instead of changing the flavour, it will enhance it! So simple!
Imagine with just one spoonful of this incredible superfood you can add a burst of flavour to any meal or snack, provide an amazing array of nutrients, increase energy and stay fuller for longer! Chia has an amazing thickening ability so can be used in soups, smoothies, cakes, breads, biscuits, drinks – actually everything!
Chia really is an ideal food for nearly everyone including vegetarians, vegans, pregnant women and individuals with food allergies, food sensitivities and/or gluten-intolerance (there are no known allergies to Chia seeds!)
Unlike other seeds such as flax (linseed) it doesn’t need to be ground or sprouted and has no enzyme inhibitors to prevent digestion. You can really eat as much chia as you like. In fact the more the better!
As if Chia couldn’t get any better – the plant also has a natural pest-repellent and therefore doesn’t need any nasty chemicals to ward off any intruders.
The greatest news of all – is that it is finally available in South Africa, get it before it sells out!
Chia Facts
15x more Magnesium than broccoli
5x more Calcium than milk
8x more Omega 3 than salmon
2x more Iron than spinach
More Potassium than Banana
More Antioxidants than blueberries, strawberries and cranberries
20% Complete Vegetable Protein
40% Fibre content
Gluten Free
Pesticide free
Please contact me if you would like more info: steph@lifestylehealth.co.za
If you wish to purchase SOMAMA CHIA please visit www.SOMAMA.co.za or send us an email hello@SOMAMA.co.za
Disclaimer - as always we do not understand your medical condition and as such the above guidelines are not personalized. In this regard please consult your medical practitioner for advice.
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1 comments:
Fascinating information. You can see how passionate you are. Great product!
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